Another talented defensive lineman heading out of New Orleans as 2016 first-round pick DT Sheldon Rankins signs a two-year $17M deal with the New York Jets. This one isn't really a surprise for the Saints as it never felt like they'd be able to retain the Louisville alum. But now, the Saints have lost three key pieces in the trenches as more holes begin to form on the defensive side of the ball.
Former New Orleans Saints tight end Jared Cook has reportedly signed a one-year deal with the San Diego Charges worth up to $6 million. The deal comes on the heels of season in which he secured 505 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Less than a week after the New Orleans Saints parted ways with veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, it looks like he's found his next stop. The 12-year veteran is expected to sign with the Buffalo Bills. Sanders will catch passes from Josh Allen and join a surging Bills franchise. Buffalo should have a clear role ready for him upon arrival as they moved on from wideout John Brown earlier this offseason.
The New Orleans Saints lose a big piece on the special teams unit. After retaining J.T. Gray earlier in the offseason, Justin Hardee, his tag-team partner at punt gunner,has signed a three-year contract with the New York Jets. This is a sizable loss for the Saints who put a large focus on special teams success. This leaves an important hole to fill in the third phase of the game.
The former New Orleans Saints cornerback wasn't on the market for long before finding a new deal. After an impressive 2020 with the Saints, Jenkins is now set to join the Tennessee Titans. The Titans needed some help at the cornerback position after moving on from both Malcolm Butler and Adoree Jackson. Contract details have not yet been disclosed, but he was released from New Orleans to save $7M of cap space less than a week ago.
An underrated move that could be one of the more important signings of the offseason
Good for Trey.
Pretty classy of the Falcons.
The Detroit Lions have signed Josh Hill, former Saints tight end. Hill was released by New Orleans last week along with fellow tight end Jared Cook. Now, he'll reunite with his former positional coach Dan Campbell, now head coach in Motown. The contract details of the new deal have not yet been disclosed.
The New Orleans Saints are among four team names that are reportedly possible destinations for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. With the expected and potentially impending retirement of quarterback Drew Brees, the expectation has been that Jameis Winston will be the replacement for the near future. However, never settling, the Saints look to have another potential avenue to explore.